William Curtis Lilium Bulbiferum, Orange Lily. Exquisite engraving c1788.

by Curtis, William

William Curtis Lily, hand-coloured 18th century antique print. Lilium Bulbiferum, Orange Lily, drawn and engraved by James Sowerby.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London circa 1788. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

In 1787 when he was Praefectus Hortis (Horticultural Manager) of Chelsea Physic Garden in London, William Curtis (1746-1799) began publication of The Botanical Magazine “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. Illustrating botanical specimens from around the world, this publication has been published continuously for over 230 years. It is now known as “The Kew Magazine”.

Beautifully engraved and hand-coloured, this antique print is in fine condition - with the added bonus of the original text. Size of page is approximately 240 x 140mm (9 1/2 x 5 1/2/ inches). To the intaglio impression measures 200 x 115mm (7 7/8 x 4 1/2 inches)